Projected squad, season outlook, playoff picture

The Detroit Red Wings narrowly missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024. Detroit had its best season since 2015-16, when they last reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, they were eliminated on the final day of the regular season. The Philadelphia Flyers lost to the Washington Capitals, who eliminated Detroit from the playoffs.

Detroit had an interesting offseason. They added experienced talent to the NHL free agency roster. However, compared to previous years, there was a much more reserved free agency period. The Red Wings also signed Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider to long-term contracts. Both players entered NHL free agency as restricted free agents.

Whether Detroit did enough to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs remains to be seen. Luckily, we don’t have to wait long to see this team in action on the ice. Here’s a full Red Wings season preview, including a projected roster and a look at where they stand in the expected playoff picture.

A look at the Red Wings’ planned roster

The Red Wings have notable names all over the ice. Detroit’s forward group is the team’s strength. Dylan Larkin is the team’s captain and top center. At his side are Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat, two highly skilled young wingers. Additionally, experienced wingers Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko are expected to make an impact.

Defensively there are some question marks. However, the Red Wings still have some strong pieces. Moritz Seider is the team’s best defender and one of the best young defenders in the league. Veteran Erik Gustafsson signed a two-year contract this summer. Detroit expects him to play a role on the power play this year. They also expect Simon Edvinsson to be a regular in the squad in 2024/25.

The biggest question for the Red Wings is scoring. Detroit is expected to have three goaltenders to start the year. Ville Husso returns after missing most of last season due to injury. Alex Lyon hopes to build on an up-and-down 2023/24 season. And Cam Talbot is moving to Detroit after a successful time with the Los Angeles Kings. Here’s a complete look at the Red Wings’ projected roster:

Forward – Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, JT Compher, Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, Andrew Copp, Michael Rasmussen, Jonatan Berggren, Joe Veleno, Christian Fischer, Carter Mazur, Tyler Motte

Defender – Moritz Seider, Ben Chiarot, Simon Edvinsson, Erik Gustafsson, Olli Maatta, Jeff Petry, Justin Holl

goalkeeper – Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon, Ville Husso

Detroit’s outlook for the 2024-25 season

The Red Wings are not playing abroad like they did last year. However, there are still some very interesting encounters on the program. Detroit opens its 2024-25 season on October 10 at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins. These teams met in the 2008 and 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.

The Red Wings will then host the Nashville Predators on October 12th. This game is significant because it is Steven Stamkos’ first road game against Nashville. Detroit was rumored as a potential landing spot for Stamkos during NHL free agency this summer. They had also shown interest in 2016 before he re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Last year, Detroit played in the NHL Global Series. This year the team is taking part in the NHL Stadium Series. On March 1, 2025, the Red Wings will face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. This is Detroit’s first outdoor game since the 2017 Centennial Classic against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

If the Red Wings are in the playoff hunt, their final five games could be very important. Four of Detroit’s last five games are against Eastern Conference opponents. And three of them are against teams in the Atlantic Division. Detroit will conclude its 2024-25 regular season on April 17, 2025 on the road against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

What the Red Wings’ playoff picture looks like

The Red Wings are one of the more interesting teams to consider ahead of the 2024-25 season. On the one hand, Detroit has improved in the offseason despite the reluctance they had in free agency. However, it is difficult to estimate how much they have improved over the summer.

Detroit should be in the middle of the playoff race. They have to deal with difficult competition. Especially in the Atlantic Division. The Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabers and Ottawa Senators all made progress this summer. And it’s hard to imagine players like the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers taking significant steps backwards.

The Red Wings are a playoff bubble team at this point. Detroit has the talent to make the postseason this year. But they will need a significant improvement in their squad. And as the 2024-25 season progresses, they may need other teams to make a mistake.